Understanding ADHD and Substance Abuse

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that is typically diagnosed during childhood and may last into adulthood. ADHD is typically associated with difficulty paying attention, staying still, coping with boredom and tedious tasks, and controlling impulsive behaviors.

Individuals with ADHD tend to be overly active and have trouble paying attention and controlling impulsive behavior.

Those who have ADHD may be more inclined to use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms that come with this disorder. Others may be prescribed stimulants to treat ADHD and become hooked. Either can lead to a cycle of addiction that is hard to diagnose or treat without professional help.

Approximately 25 percent of adults that go to a treatment center for alcohol and substance abuse also live with ADHD.

There are various treatment programs that focus on addressing both ADHD and addiction simultaneously. Addiction treatment programs for individuals with ADHD emphasize a dual diagnosis approach and utilize various types of therapy to allow for healing and healthy habits to take form.

Get started on the road to recovery.

How Does ADHD Develop?

There are several things that can affect someone’s chance of developing ADHD, including:

Genetics

Heredity is the most common cause of ADHD. Children with ADHD are four times as likely to have a family member also diagnosed with ADHD.

Exposure to Toxic Substances

Researchers have found a connection between mothers who used tobacco products or alcohol during pregnancy and the development of ADHD in their children. Lead exposure has also been linked to hyperactivity.

Trauma

Injury to the brain, a brain tumor, stroke or disease can cause inattention and poor regulation of motor activity and impulses. This is an uncommon cause of ADHD.

See how Jerryovercame hisaddiction.

ADHD and Addiction

ADHD can have a negative impact on academic or work performance and may hinder social development. Many people living with ADHD turn to substance abuse as a way to combat these effects.

Research has shown that about 21 percent of males with ADHD and 13 percent of females with ADHD abuse drugs or alcohol. People with ADHD may be inclined to abuse drugs or alcohol to make up for the lack of dopamine in their brains, as they have lower levels of the chemical than people who don’t have ADHD.

Treating ADHD and substance abuse can be challenging because the medications used to treat ADHD can also become habit-forming. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall are often effective at managing symptoms, but they also have a high potential for abuse. During treatment, it is imperative to monitor both issues at the same time.

I think everybody in the field agrees, if you can get a toehold on the addiction, you should think about treating the ADHD relatively quickly. If you treat ADHD aggressively and you monitor for substance abuse, you’re going to reduce [delinquency].

- Dr. Howard Schubiner, ADHD researcher

A multidimensional approach to treatment can help those living with ADHD and addiction find long-term healing.

Ready to get help?

Don’t waste another second. Enter your number to receive a call from a compassionate treatment expert.

Don’t waste another second. Call now to speak with a compassionate treatment expert.

ADHD Symptoms and Effects

The symptoms and development of ADHD vary from person to person, as some will show symptoms that others lack based on the type of ADHD that is present.

The core characteristics of this disorder fall into three categories:

Lack of ability to pay attention or focus

Hyperactive behavior or constant physical activity

Impulsive behavior

Within these three categories, there are various behavioral patterns that meet the criteria of ADHD:

Difficulty finishing tasks

Problems listening to others

Struggles with organizing projects or responsibilities

Forgetfulness

Being easily distracted

Constant fidgeting

Inability to control speech or actions

Frequently losing or misplacing personal items

Adults with ADHD often have trouble performing adequately at work. They can feel chronically disorganized and misplace important items needed to complete a task. They also might forget appointments or overlook social commitments.

Relationship problems may develop, as individuals with ADHD are inclined to make offhanded remarks without thinking, or they fail to pay attention to others because they are distracted. These frustrations in life may cause those with ADHD to abuse alcohol or drugs as a way to relax, fit in socially or slow down and escape.

Questions about treatment?

Addiction and ADHD Treatment

Addiction and ADHD can be treated simultaneously through a dual diagnosis program. It’s important to treat both disorders at once, as the cycle of frustration with ADHD can lead to self-medication with alcohol or drugs.

Counseling, family therapy, self-help groups and holistic therapy are the core components of a successful recovery program for individuals with ADHD. A secure and supportive environment is provided in addiction treatment to promote healing while in recovery.

Identifying substance abuse triggers and learning how to manage impulses

Educating partners and family members about ADHD

Dual diagnosis programs assist with managing the symptoms of ADHD and modifying the individual’s responses and triggers while in recovery. This will allow people struggling with ADHD and addiction to live a healthy, functional life, without being dependent on any substance.

AddictionCenter.com is a referral service that provides information about addiction treatment practitioners and facilities. AddictionCenter.com is not a medical provider or treatment facility and does not provide medical advice. AddictionCenter.com does not endorse any treatment facility or guarantee the quality of care provided, or the results to be achieved, by any treatment facility. The information provided by AddictionCenter.com is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.